Eligibility Quiz
Are you a Filipino veteran of World War II?
Application Process
This visa is a permanent residency pathway specifically for Filipino World War II veterans who became American citizens under the United States Immigration Act of 1990. The application is processed in-person through the Bureau of Immigration (BI) within the Philippines.
Step 1: Entry and Preparation
You and your eligible dependents (spouse and unmarried children) should enter the Philippines using your valid American Passports. You will typically enter under a 9(a) tourist visa or the Balikbayan (returning Filipino) program. Once inside the country, gather your supporting documents. Any documents issued in the U.S., such as birth or marriage certificates, must have an Apostille (a specialized certificate of authentication) to be accepted by Philippine authorities.
Step 2: Secure Clearances
If you or your dependents have already been residing in the Philippines for 6 months or more, you must obtain an NBI Clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation. This serves as your official criminal record check within the country.
Step 3: Filing the Application
Visit the BI Main Office in Intramuros, Manila, or a designated district office. You must submit the General Application Form (BI Form No. MCL-07-01) along with:
- Proof of your veteran status and service during WWII.
- Documentation proving you acquired U.S. citizenship specifically via the 1990 U.S. Immigration Act.
- Proof of relationship for dependents (Apostilled Marriage and Birth Certificates).
Step 4: Payment and Interview
After your documents are screened, you will receive an Order of Payment Slip (OPS). Take this to the BI cashier to pay the applicable fees. You may then be scheduled for a hearing or interview with the Board of Commissioners to verify your eligibility and intent to reside in the country.
Step 5: Visa Implementation and I-Card
Once approved, you must return to the BI office to have the visa "implemented"—this is the process of stamping the permanent resident visa into your U.S. passport. At this stage, you will also apply for your ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card), which serves as your official residency ID.
Fees
Under Republic Act 7837, the veteran is exempt from most immigration and registration fees. However, dependents are required to pay standard residency fees.
| Item | Cost (Veteran) | Cost (Dependents) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | Gratis (Free) | ~PHP 8,620.00 |
| Dependent Child Fee | N/A | PHP 7,870.00 - 8,370.00 |
| ACR I-Card (Physical Card) | USD 50.00 + PHP 500.00 | USD 50.00 + PHP 500.00 |
| Legal Research Fee | PHP 10.00 | PHP 10.00 |
Total Estimate: The veteran will pay approximately PHP 3,500 (depending on the USD exchange rate for the I-Card), while each adult dependent should expect to pay approximately PHP 12,000.
Note: These totals do not include the cost of obtaining an NBI Clearance, Apostille services in the U.S., or travel expenses to the BI Main Office.
Processing Time
- Visa Approval: The process typically takes 2 to 4 months from the date of filing. This timeline depends on the meeting schedule of the Board of Commissioners.
- ACR I-Card Issuance: Once the visa is implemented, the physical ID card is usually issued within 1 to 2 weeks.
- Document Validity: Ensure your U.S. passport is valid for at least 6 months at the time of application. The permanent resident status itself does not expire, and unlike other foreign residents, veterans under RA 7837 are exempt from the mandatory Annual Report (the yearly check-in with the Bureau of Immigration).